Awaken the Vivekananda Within You

Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.

When something associates with the body,
the body becomes instrumental in serving the purpose of the Lord.
When something associates with the mind,
the mind becomes steadfast, obedient, unshaken, and loving.
When something associates with the intellect,
the power of discernment awakens within.
With the awakened body, mind, and intellect
awakens the bliss of wisdom – Vivekananda!

What is this “something” that needs to be associated with everything to derive the bliss of wisdom? When did this “something” get associated with Swami Vivekananda? Let us get a glimpse of it.

It was midnight. As Narendra saw dark clouds in the sky, it was as if darkness was spreading over his mind. He couldn’t see any ray of hope. Clouds thundered, and lightning struck. Lost in his thoughts, Narendra was walking barefoot towards his house. His feet were not supporting his body. It was as if they were pleading him to rest for a while. But he was numb to his body as his mind was elsewhere.

Suddenly, there was a heavy downpour, and Narendra was completely drenched in less than a moment. Defeated, he sat down in the middle of the deserted road and pleaded with folded hands, “O Lord, what are you punishing me for? There are so many sinful people in this world, but sparing them all, why are you punishing me? Is it because I have faith in you? Is this your way of justice?”

Narendra’s eyes welled with tears of sorrow. Suddenly, he heard a voice within. His conscience asked him, “One who seeks pleasure does not consider the method of acquiring it. First, decide what you want – position, fame, wealth, comforts?”

His logical mind replied, “I want wealth but through the path of righteousness.”

His conscience alerted him, “You will attain God on the path of righteousness, not wealth! What do you want – God, or wealth and comforts?”

Narendra shouted, “God, God, and God alone!”

His conscience replied, “Then don’t ask for comforts and conveniences. You can never attain God if you get entangled in worldly pleasures. God can be attained by conquering your mind through austerity and penance.”

This ended Narendra’s dilemma. He listened to his conscience. The negative thoughts that were clouding his mind vanished, dispelling darkness from his life. In resonance, the clouds in the sky had also dispersed, revealing the divine resplendent aura of the moon. All his doubts were being put to rest, and the turmoil in his mind was beginning to settle down. “Something” had got associated with his intellect that awakened the power of discretion within him and directed him to his Guru Sri Ramakrishna. That was indeed a momentous night when Narendra was transformed and became Swami Vivekananda. The first ray of light at dawn dissolved not only the darkness prevailing outside but also the darkness in Narendra’s mind. His intellect was radiant with new light. Now, he knew his mission.

This is the story of Swami Vivekananda, whose wisdom had awakened. It is only when wisdom awakens that one commences his journey on the path of Truth undeterred. So, the story of Vivekananda should be seen as the story of every earnest seeker of Truth.

Vivekananda, formerly known as Narendra Dutt, was born on 12th January 1863. However, the devotee, Narendra was born twenty-five years later. It was as if he was reborn into divine devotion. The first was the birth of his body, while the latter was the culmination of limiting personalized beliefs and awakening of the true Self in his body. The state of Self-realization, the experience of Sat-Chit-Ananda, had unfolded within his body.

Understanding the transformation that occurred in Vivekananda’s life can help in awakening the ability to discern the Truth within you. Let this day, the birth anniversary of Narendra, serve to remind us of our true purpose in life and embark on the journey of attaining the Truth.